More than half of British people support LGBTQ-inclusive lessons in primary schools

Olly Alexander said teaching about same-sex relationships will 'save lives'

2019-09-05

Words: Steve Brown

More than half of British people believe same-sex relationships should be taught in primary schools.

According to new research by nfpSynergy, commissioned by LGBT charity Stonewall, they found around 60 per cent of British people believe children in primary schools should be taught about different kinds of families, including same-sex parenting.

The research also found that young people – aged between 16 to 24 – were more accepting with around 68 per cent being in support of LGBTQ-inclusive teaching.

Despite Section 28 – the homophobic law introduced by Margaret Thatcher – being repealed, its still affects teaching of LGBTQ parents and relationships.

In the new study, it found around 40 per cent of LGBTQ pupils were never taught anything about LGBTQ issues at school and 45 per cent are bullied because of their sexuality.

Paul Twocock, Chief Executive, Stonewall said: “LGBT-inclusive education is life-changing teaching for so many young people, which is why it’s so powerful to see so much of the British public support the new legislation.

“This move towards inclusive teaching marks the beginning of the end of the dark era that Stonewall has been working towards since we were founded 30 years ago.

“We owe it to the next generation to ensure our schools are a place where all children and young people can be themselves.

“It’s essential the Government invests more in training and resources to better prepare teachers and schools to deliver high-quality LGBT-inclusive teaching now and in the future.

“We need more people from all walks of life to come out for LGBT people and be vocal in their support for inclusive education.”

Years and Years frontman, Olly Alexander, called for schools to have LGBTQ-inclusive lessons and said they would ‘save lives’.

He said: “When I was at school there was hardly any mention of LGBT people or our history. It was like we didn’t exist.

“I had an inkling I was gay from a young age and felt extremely afraid of what that would mean for me.

“LGBT-inclusive education would have made a huge difference in my life. All schools need LGBT-inclusive education, it can and will save lives.

“Every young person deserves an education that shows them it’s OK to just be themselves and that no matter someone’s sexuality or gender identity they deserve respect.”